Being Us

Being Us, a deeply emotional and poignant independent drama film, was released in 2013. Directed by Sam Hancock, it features a stunning performance by Alanna Ubach, with worthy contributions from her co-stars Michael Navarra and Patrick Russell. The script, elegantly written by Sam Hancock and Scott Hancock, is incredibly engaging, offering a thoughtful look into a sensitive issue. Shot in the beautiful backdrop of San Francisco, the cinematography deserves a special mention for some beautifully framed shots that bring an even more intense aesthetic to the film.

The story primarily revolves around the life of Margaret (Alanna Ubach), a middle-aged woman who suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder, commonly known as multiple personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by the existence of multiple distinct identities or personalities within one individual, each one having its unique pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment. The film is not just about her attempts to navigate through daily life with this psychological condition, but it is also about the struggles of people closest to her who are trying to understand and empathize with her journey.

Alanna Ubach delivers an awe-inspiring performance in embodying Margaret and her various identities. She flawlessly portrays a range of characters, including a party-loving teenager and a devoted Christian woman, capturing the nuances and subtleties of each personality dynamically. Even with such drastic shifts in personalities, Alanna executes these complex transitions in a sensitive and seamless manner. It is her stunning display of artistic versatility that brings the essence of these characters to life.

Michael Navarra plays Aaron, Margaret's very understanding and compassionate boyfriend. He is constantly in a state of conflict between his love for Margaret and the challenge of coming to terms with her condition. His performance excellently portrays the angst and the inner struggle that he experiences while being in a relationship with someone suffering from such a complex disorder. His performance manages to hold its own magnificently juxtaposed with Alanna Ubach's dramatic role. He effectively portrays the supportive partner who is tiring under the weight of their circumstances.

Patrick Russell, as Barrett, also puts forth a brilliant performance as a loyal friend and an empathetic counselor trying to help Margaret navigate through the intricacies of her condition. He is kind-hearted, optimistic, and firm, genuinely eager to change Margaret’s life for the better. His chemistry with Michael Navarra as they both deal with the implications of Margaret's disorder offers some excellent scenes of companionship and camaraderie.

The plot intelligently threads together the characters' stories offering an empathetic insight into how mental health affects not just the individual but their relationships with others. It explores how something like identity, so essential yet intangible, can actually be fragmented in some. The movie doesn't shy away from showcasing the raw and often distressing reality of people living with this condition but does so without resorting to melodrama or clichés.

Hancock's Breaking Us gracefully handles the subject matter, attaining several profound and enlightening moments. Instead of providing a sentimental depiction of Dissociative Identity Disorder, it addresses the severe emotional and psychological implications of the disease. It balances the much-needed whimsical moments with the harsh realities of life, resulting in a truly touching and powerful film.

The film also effectively utilizes its soundtrack, and the melancholic and sometimes hopeful tracks heighten the emotional intensity and depth of the narrative. The songs harmonize effortlessly with the storyline, complimenting the tone and emotion of every scene.

In conclusion, Being Us is a compelling exploration of mental health and the impact it has on the lives of those living with and around such conditions. It successfully sheds light on Dissociative Identity Disorder identity through an engaging narrative and excellent performances. It paves the way for conversations about mental health and disorders that are often misunderstood or misrepresented. The film's raw and honest portrayal of its characters and their experiences is sure to leave a lasting impact on its viewers.